John M. Streicher

John M. Streicher is a Professor in the Graduate College of the University of Arizona, holding appointments in both the Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (GIDP) and Pharmacology. His research focuses on molecular signal transduction cascades related to opioid, adenosine, and orphan receptors in chronic pain.

• BS: George Fox University, 1999
• MS: Oregon Health and Science University, 2002
• PhD: University of California – Los Angeles, 2009

Research interests center on identifying new signaling regulators of opioid receptors, determining their molecular mechanisms, and translating these findings into novel painkiller development without side effects like addiction. His methodologies include CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in mice, high-throughput drug screening, and creating pain state models (e.g., post-surgical pain).

His publications from 2023–2002 span opioid receptor pharmacology, pain pathway modulation, ion channel inhibition, and drug design strategies (e.g., biased signaling, sulfonamide constraints). Articles frequently address chronic pain models, receptor-specific ligands, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms.

• Cover selection for Science Signaling (2023, 2020)
• INRC Young Investigator Award (2022)
• UA Undergraduate Biology Research Program Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award (2020-2021)
• Cyagen Animal Model Award (2017)
• ASPET Young Scientist Travel Award (2011)

Dr. Streicher's work bridges molecular pharmacology and translational pain research, with a focus on developing next-generation analgesics through innovative biochemical and genetic approaches.